14 Amazing Fun Facts About Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city, is a destination that captivates millions each year. With its mix of historic charm and modern innovation, it’s no wonder that over 32 million tourists flock to the city annually, outnumbering the local residents at times.

I first visited Barcelona as part of a college trip, and I was immediately swept up in the city’s energy. From the streets of Las Ramblas to the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, there was always something new to discover around every corner.

The city’s history, combined with its artistic spirit, makes it a place that’s hard to forget. Whether it’s the design of La Sagrada Familia or the soft sand of Barceloneta Beach, there’s an endless list of experiences that define Barcelona.

Even though my visit feels like it was ages ago, I still reminisce about it. Let’s revisit some of the fascinating fun facts that make Barcelona such a special place.

1. Barcelona’s beaches are all artificial but spectacular

Barcelona is known as a beach city and its beaches are a major attraction, but until the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona’s coastline was industrial.

The city created its beaches artificially, importing sand from Egypt to transform its waterfront for the Olympic Games. It was clearly a solid investment as tourists flock to the city every year to enjoy the beaches of Barcelona. Barceloneta Beach was even ranked 15th at the Golden Beach Awards in 2024.

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Later, Barcelona transformed the Olympic Village apartments into luxury homes after the games, creating an entirely new beachfront neighborhood overnight.

Barcelona’s award-winning beach draws millions of tourists every year.

2. The city has more bomb shelters than parks

More than 1,400 bomb shelters were constructed in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. The city was a center of anarchy in the 1930s, culminating in Francisco Franco’s victory. Today, many of these shelters are preserved as museums and historical sites.

3. Camp Nou, the FC Barcelona stadium, can fit the entire population of Andorra

FC Barcelona’s stadium, Camp Nou, is Europe’s largest football stadium, with a capacity of 99,354. This means it can accommodate the entire population of Andorra, which stands at just over 80,000. Camp Nou is also home to the FC Barcelona Museum, allowing fans to learn even more about the team.

Extra FC Barcelona fact: The Basilica of Santa María del Mar, a church dating back to the 14th century, has a stained-glass window featuring the club’s crest. The club offered to donate money to fund the reconstruction of the church’s windows only if its crest was included.

4. Barcelona’s largest park is so big it could swallow 22 Central Parks

Collserola Park is the world’s largest metropolitan park, spreading across approximately 19,768 acres (8000 hectares)—that’s more than 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park. The park contains over 190 species of animals and has hiking trails that would take weeks to fully explore.

It’s described as a “great green lung” of Barcelona due to its scale and greenery.

La Rambla has plenty to offer travelers.

5. The city’s most famous street is actually five streets in disguise

La Rambla, arguably Barcelona’s most famous street, is actually five boulevards that combine to make one long promenade. They are:

• Rambla de Canaletes
• Rambla dels Estudis
• Rambla de Sant Josep
• Rambla dels Caputxins
• Rambla de Santa Mònica

Local tradition says if you drink from the Canaletes fountain on Rambla de Canaletes, you’re destined to return to Barcelona. I didn’t know this when I visited, so maybe that’s why I haven’t yet made it back?

La Sagrada Familia has been a work in progress since 1882.

6. Gaudí’s most famous building has been under construction for longer than it took the Incas to build Machu Picchu

La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudí, began construction in 1882 and still hasn’t been completed. When asked why it was taking so long to build, Gaudí famously replied, “My client is not in a hurry.” The building is expected to be completed in 2026, but it has already taken longer to construct La Sagrada Familia than it took the Incas to build Peru’s Machu Picchu at the top of a mountain without the invention of the wheel.

Extra Gaudí fun fact: Barcelona has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, seven of which are works by Antoni Gaudí.

Park Güell is a must-see destination in Barcelona.

7. Barcelona’s most beautiful hospital looks more like a palace

The other two UNESCO sites—the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Hospital de Sant Pau—were designed by architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner. The Hospital de Sant Pau was designed with gardens and colorful tiles because doctors believed beautiful surroundings helped patients heal faster.

8. Barcelona was offered the chance to build the Eiffel Tower before Paris

Gustave Eiffel wanted to build the Eiffel Tower in Barcelona for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition. Spain rejected the plan as the building was not considered to be aesthetically pleasing, so he took his famous landmark to Paris.

9. Barcelona was founded by either a Greek god or a Carthaginian general—no one’s quite sure

Barcelona’s origins are disputed, with legends attributing its founding to Hercules or Hamilcar Barca in the 3rd century BC. Barcelona has a Roman heritage, with ancient ruins of the city Barcino beneath its streets. Those interested in the history of the city can visit the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA), and check out the Gothic Quarter.

10. Barcelona is the 9th most visited city in the world

Barcelona is the world’s ninth most visited city, according to the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023 report by Euromonitor International. The top 10 is:

1. Paris, France
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. Madrid, Spain
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
6. Berlin, Germany
7. Rome, Italy
8. New York, United States
9. Barcelona, Spain
10. London, United Kingdom

With sights like the Arc de Triomf, it’s no surprise tourists flock to Barcelona.

11. Barcelona’s artists weren’t just passing through; they were revolution leaders

Barcelona was home to famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Antoni Gaudí. Picasso spent his formative years studying in Barcelona. The Picasso Museum holds over 4,000 works, making it the world’s largest Picasso collection. Barcelona has a thriving contemporary art scene with many galleries and street art spots. During the Spanish Civil War, many of these artists created propaganda posters that are now considered masterpieces of political art.

12. The city’s supercomputer inhabits a former church

Barcelona is home to the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, which houses MareNostrum, Southern Europe’s largest supercomputer. The supercomputer is housed in a former chapel, creating a striking contrast between 19th-century architecture and 21st-century technology. UNESCO and the UIA have named Barcelona the World’s Capital of Architecture for 2026.

13. Two languages share the stage in Barcelona

Barcelona is the biggest city of the Mediterranean Sea and the capital city of Catalonia. In Barcelona, both Spanish and Catalan are distinct official languages.

14. Barcelona is the only city in the world to win the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture

In 1999, Barcelona became the only city to be awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects, an award previously only given to individuals.

The architecture of the city is impressive even if some of these projects were technically failures. Park Güell was originally meant to be a luxury housing development but only two houses were ever built. Despite this financial failure, it’s now one of the city’s most popular attractions.